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CHILD CUSTODY AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Mediation For Allocation Of Parenting Responsibilities And Custody Laws

When you divorce, questions on visitation custody, physical custody, joint custody, and other decisions have to be made about how your children will be affected. When you decide to live in separate homes it is important to plan visitation custody during this process whether you are looking into party custody or joint custody.

Recent Changes To Illinois Family Laws

What used to be called “child custody” is now called “allocation of parental responsibilities.” Illinois courts can now “allocate” to each parent decision-making power over different major areas of a child’s life. This allows both parents to be involved in making decisions for their children, even if the parents are unable to communicate well with each other. The areas over which the courts can award decision-making authority are health, education, religion and extracurricular activities.

Experienced Counsel To Develop Positive Relationships Between Parents And Children

At Sefton Kelly Family Law, we will help you assess, based on the facts of your case, what your options are and the reasonableness of your goals, given your family’s situation. You and your spouse will agree upon allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody), or if you cannot agree, the court will allocate the parental responsibilities. Similarly, you and your spouse will decide what days and times the children are with each parent, or if you cannot agree, the court will set the parenting schedule (visitation) for each of you.

You want to be sure that throughout the divorce, your children’s best interests are being considered. Often parents disagree about what is in the children’s best interests. When they cannot agree, professional intervention may be appropriate, and in some cases, court intervention becomes necessary.

The court considers various factors in determining what is in your children’s “best interest.” We will educate you so you understand the factors that the court considers in determining “best interest” and how those factors relate to your case, your children and their needs.

Contact Us Concerning Custody Laws

To speak with one of our experienced lawyers about this or any related issues, contact our office today.

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